So This Is Love: Paris {Part 1}

*A view of the tallest structure in Paris: The Eiffel Tower!!!*

So. This is love. Not a question. A statement. I was officially infatuated with a city. Paris had me at bonjour. For forty years (or something like that) I had been dreaming about visiting Paris. The books, movies (most recently, Emily in Paris!), real life stories from friends, and photos had this destination looking and sounding as dreamy as can be to me. The boys had learned all about Paris in first grade, and Bennett even wrote a book report (on his own accord!) about the city of love, and since then they had wanted to go too. Well, we had officially arrived and were so moved by Paris, that after circling around France for six weeks, we planned to come back and spend even more time here. I'm telling you, something about this place is pure magic.

The “Chunnel” - World’s Longest Undersea Railway Tunnel

Still on a high from New York City and London, our next big-city stop, and the one we were most excited about: PARIS! From London, we hopped on Eurostar’s high-speed “chunnel” train that would take us from St Pancras International Station London, under the English Channel, and into the heart of Paris in under two and a half hours. With it being the longest underwater rail tunnel in the world, it was a highlight ride for us. Naturally, we celebrated with mimosas, San Pellegrino, and Legends of Zelda. We also learned quickly that first class tickets on trains are totally worth the tiny jump in price as the seats are more comfortable, spacious, and the first class sections are more secure (More on that later when my bag gets stolen on the way to Carcassonne…).

Boarding “The Chunnel” train from St Pancras Station London to Paris!

*Over here in the US reminiscing about how easy train travel in Europe is.*

Montmartre District

The hustle and bustle of Parisian city life, along with the welcoming cafes at every turn, had us immediately swooning. We were ready for our Paris adventure to commence. Within minutes of arriving in the Montmartre district, which we would call home for three days, we were blown away with its in-your-face charm. Go watch the movie Amélie for inspo. I could see why this was the most famous district in Paris. Streets were lined with boulangeries (bakeries), people were casually seated along bistro sidewalks ordering drinks and smoking cigarettes with friends, and steep, winding cobblestone streets made their way through this hilltop village in sharp angles and zigzags. Our small, one-bedroom Airbnb was situated at street level and was apparently a former storefront, rolling metal shades still usable on our windows. With an entire afternoon to kill, we headed out on foot for a visit to this area’s highest point, the Sacré Coeur Basilica.

Ice cream cones! Plus a view from our Airbnb in Montmartre

*Typical street view in Montmartre district*

Sacré Coeur Basilica

Perched on the highest point in Montmartre glistened the white Sacré Coeur Basilica. With it being years since I went inside an old European church (I know…once you see one, you’ve seen them all but if we were going to visit one then it might as well be this one), we took the opportunity to admire its beauty in person. With no photos allowed, you’ll have to take my word for it, upon entering we were hit with its grand beauty. The ceiling opened up to one massive chapel room showcasing a large mosaic in the main dome, and pews sprawled out in front of us.

After emerging from the basilica, we were greeted with an overlook of Paris and its suburbs. We sat on the basilica steps, among hundreds of other Parisians and tourists, and people-watched for the next hour. Buskers played accordions with lazy cats perched on top, locals came around selling waters and beers, and entertainers drew attention by balancing/bouncing soccer balls on their bodies in obscure ways. We were in people-watching heaven and the energy was one I can’t describe. We will never forget how many times we were asked if we wanted a water (which they pronounced in a strong accent “wa-ta-dah” as fast as they could over and over). It became a joke with us all throughout Paris whenever we were craving water we exclaimed in a deep accent, trilling our tongue five times over. Try it. I swear it’s fun.

*Facing the Sacre Coeur Basilica and steps*

Place du Tertre: An Artists’ Square in the Heart of Montmartre

We strolled through Place Du Tertre at least once every day while in Montmartre. Here is one of Paris’ most famous squares known for its artists and painters, cafes, and ambiance. On one of the afternoons we left the boys in front of a Netflix movie and took some time for ourselves. In a fancy-to-us outfit (a casual dress for me and button-up for Chip but still donning flip flops), we sat down at a tiny café table outside with wrought iron chairs facing the main square and ordered a bottle of chilled white wine and escargot (my first time trying the delicacy). This was one of those ‘pinch me’ moments in life. To be sitting at a Paris Café with my lover. I could really get used to this.

*White wine and escargot with views and ambiance of Place du Tertre*

Eiffel Tower

One of the most anticipated days of our trip was upon us! It was time to finally meet Paris’ most famous landmark, the Iron Lady, aka the Eiffel Tower. As our Uber approached the heart of the city, we began seeing views of the tower peeking out from behind buildings, as if taunting us with half-a-second views before it disappeared behind again. Our excitement was palpable, and by the time we finally arrived, we were buzzing.

Our plan for the day was to stroll around the base and grounds of the Eiffel Tower, admiring its view from the ground up while taking millions of photos, of course. But now that she was front and center, we thought how could we not climb the 674 iconic stairs up to the second level?! It could be a once in a lifetime opportunity so we jumped at the chance and headed straight to the ticket counter. After a quick swipe of the credit card and a short security line, we were ready to give our legs (and butt) a workout up to the 2nd level viewing area.

If you’re able, skip the elevator and definitely take the stairs. It was a fun experience to be climbing up one of the legs of the Eiffel Tower, and we basked in the joy (and sweat) of our hard-earned work once at the top. As you’ll see, the views are definitely worth the trip up. We were able to spot areas from above that we would be visiting next up.

Walking up to the second level viewing area of the Eiffel Tower.

Facing the Seine River and Trocadero Plaza

Bennett and I looking up from the 2nd level

I spy with my little eye the Sacre Coeur in the distance! Can you find it?

CHamp De Mars Greenspace

I had always envisioned visiting the Champ De Mars greenspace which is a sprawling park situated at the base of the Eiffel Tower. You likely seen it too. In movies and shows people are spread out with blankets basking in the sunshine, with views of the Eiffel Tower in the foreground. No big deal, right? After descending the stairs, we headed there next, and it was just as lovely as I had imagined. This spot, too, would be home to several Olympic Games events in summer 2024!

trocadéro plaza

From Champ de Mars we crossed the Seine River to our most favorite view of the Eiffel Tower at Place Du Trocadéro. Here, a large plaza offers the most stunning panoramic view. Don’t miss it - we had fun here!

Arc De Triomphe

Next, we walked the city streets to the Arc De Triomphe, one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It’s located at the end of the Champs-Elysees, and in the center of an enormous 10 lane roundabout. We ended up car-watching (is that a thing?) for more than 15 minutes, in awe with how the cars maneuvered in and around this HUGE roundabout. I don’t know how people don’t get into more accidents here, but from the outside looking in, it appeared to be a well-choreographed dance to us. In order to access the monument, you must use the designated stairs that go under the roundabout but because we were drawn to the street performers, we opted to skip going underground to the monument.

Arc de Triomphe street performers did not disappoint!

The Arc Monument and insane 10-lane roundabout

Cimetière de Montmartre

Yes, you got that right. We actually spent half a day wandering around a cemetery. And it was awesome!

Built below street level in an abandoned gypsum quarry sits the Montmartre Cemetery. With a park-like feel, we loved meandering through the flowered burial sites, and around fountains, trees, hills, stairs and romantic statues. We also bopped around attempting to find the oldest gravesites (Reid found one dating back to the late 1700’s). Oddly enough, the cemetery was a highlight for all four of us. Plus it was free!

Cemetery views!

Paris To Be Continued…

Next up: Biarritz, France

Summer was off to a great start! We had finished exploring three big cities: New York, London, and Paris. But we weren’t done with Paris just yet. We circle back around at the end of our trip to visit more famous sites (The Louvre! Paris Catacombs! Eiffel Tower Light Show! to name a few…). But for now we are off to the Basque Coast of France for three incredible weeks in the surf town of Biarritz.